The most popular pooches in America

sfgate ^

[JoeProBono]

For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever has held on to its title as America's "Top Dog," according to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) 2009 registration statistics.

In a nod to watchdog breeds, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier to claim the spot of "second most popular pooch" for the first time in more than three decades. An American favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then slipped in popularity until after World War II.

The German Shepherd Dog isn't the only working canine to sniff out a place in the Top 10. Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Beagles have all been employed by law enforcement military and homeland security personnel to help with border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection and searching for missing persons.

Here is the AKC's Top 10 list of most popular dogs for 2009:

* 1. Labrador Retriever* * 2. German Shepherd Dog * 3. Yorkshire Terrier * 4. Golden Retriever * 5. Beagle * 6. Boxer * 7. Bulldog * 8. Dachshund * 9. Poodle * 10. Shih Tzu*

[The_Sword_of_Groo]

Thanks. She was a birthday present from my wife and girls. I had to put down a Boykin that I had for 13 years last summer. It was devastating. To be fair, the picture isn't of my actual puppy. Mine is prettier, of course ; )
This was my first Boykin

[Chickensoup]

Ask your collie how to post pictures :-)

dat’s mean!

I did...did you see him?

[JoeProBono]

[mware]

[CedarDave]

All my dogs have been strays. All have been most loyal and loving.

Indeed! 'Nuff said.

[Vigilanteman]

I don't think your experience was all that difference from my father's. People love poodles precisely because they are such clowns. They are a very appropriate dog for a city person who needs occasional companionship and interaction.

A border collie is a working dog that needs to keep busy. They are most appropriate for an older boy (let's say 8 or older with some sense of responsibility), a retired person with a lot of time or a country person who has livestock and chores. It isn't a dog which will be happy with a nightly walk and a few tummy rubs when the owner is home.

[lonestar]

I read this and knew it must be about dachshunds.

I like your attitude!

Weinie

[brytlea]

Exactly. I thought about them a number of times when I was competing in obedience, but I just didn’t want a dog that was smarter than me. I stuck with goldens. ;)

[mowowie]

This guy says he disagrees with this list. In fact he told me he's going to write a letter to the president about this.

[gmp31555]

It’s amazing that when the focus turns to our fuzzy, four-legged children, everyone who posts has positive things to say about their pups — and others’ as well!!! Dogs are certainly a uniting factor...

I am the proud mama of a 5 1/2 month old Boxer named Bella, and an 11 month old Olde English Bulldogge (new breed - English Bulldog, American Bulldog, Bull Mastiff and Pit Bull)...her name is Sophie. They are wonderful animals and have brought a lot of fun and liveliness into our lives.

[dmzTahoe]

A Labradoodle- best dog I have ever owned. They have the intelligence and playfulness of a poodle, yet the temperment and loyalty of a lab. And, if you get a 2nd generation, they don’t shed.

[philled]

A former boss of mine told me why the largest picture on his desk was of his lab. He was duck hunting in an unfamiliar pond. He took a wrong step, found a dropoff, went under, lost his glasses (he's very, very nearsighted), and had his waders fill with water. It was very cold, he panicked and was choking. His lab swam to him, got under him, and swam him back to the shallows.

Mine, he just loved to swim and there were times I thought I'd be rescuing him...

[mowowie]

Yes i have seen that pic live in person many a time.
Mines like a tan/white color.
Charlie loves corn....and lasangna, meatloaf, roastbeef, green olives, all vegies, all meat, all cheese, bread, marinated mushrooms, porkchops, turnip.......

The only thing i have ever seen him leave behind is lettuce w/no dressing on it, Green olives and anything with ketchup on it, Although he loves Italian dishes with tomato sauce.

[JoeProBono]

[mowowie]

Whoops, he loves the black olives, not the green ones.

[JoeProBono]

Oh jeeze

[yorkie]

Yes, yorkies are pretty special - Here's mine:

[JoeProBono]

[yorkie]

No graphic, Joe - just “image hosted by tripod”.

[RummyChick]

“His only bad habit is his obsession with human food.
drives me nuts. Since he’s stuck to me like glue 24/7 i van’t even eat a simple snack at my pc without dealing with all the dog drama.”

LOL..same here..and if I get up from the PC..my dog will wait for me to go out of the room...and then sneak in and try to jump on the computer area..and by golly I better always give her a lick of something after I am done..even if it is an empty plate.